Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm
on March 8, 2018 in Trucking Accident Updated on February 24, 2022
Truck accidents can happen in an instant. Due to the size of these vehicles, being hit by a massive commercial truck can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries.
The actions you take after a truck accident can impact your claim for compensation, so it is important to know how to protect yourself. Below are seven key steps to take after being involved in a commercial truck crash.
If you have any questions about your situation after reviewing these steps, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. The skilled truck accident lawyers at the Arnold Law Firm can help you.
1. Call the Police
Immediately after an accident:
Stop your vehicle in a safe location.
Turn on your hazard lights.
Call 911 to report the accident.
Notify the dispatcher of your location and answer any questions that he or she asks you.
Notify the dispatcher if you suspect that anyone was injured in the accident.
Once a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene, tell him or her how the accident occurred. The officer may draw up an accident report that details these statements and includes his or her own observations.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Not all injuries are immediately obvious after a car accident. Adrenaline and nervousness may mask symptoms of an injury you sustained. That is why it is important to have a health care professional check for any signs of harm, such as internal bleeding or soft-tissue injuries.
Additionally, medical reports can establish the connection between your injuries and the truck accident. Failing to seek prompt medical attention may result in the insurance company wrongfully denying your claim.
Be sure to follow all of the doctor’s orders concerning follow-up treatment and limiting activities. Otherwise, the insurance adjusters may claim that you were not as injured as you claim to be.
3. Gather Information
If you are able, gather important information at the scene of the accident. Collect information about the other party, including the following:
Name
Contact information
Name of the truck company
Any identifying information about the truck
License plate number
Insurance information
United States Department of Transportation (DOT) number
Employment information
If any witnesses observed the accident, get their names and contact information. Objective witnesses can be very helpful in an accident claim because of their neutrality.
4. Document the Accident and Damage
If possible, take detailed photographs of the accident scene. These photos should capture the people and the vehicles that were involved in the accident. Take pictures at different angles.
Some of the things to capture in your photographs include:
Damage to your vehicle
The truck
Skid marks
Posted traffic signs
Street names
Torn tire treads or other vehicle damage on the road
Damage on the roadway, guardrails or other property
Any other factors that may be important
Your pictures can help piece together how the accident occurred and the damage that resulted. These photos may serve as important evidence in your accident claim.
5. Document Your Injuries
Take pictures of your injuries right after the accident, and capture photos of the injuries as they heal. It is also a good idea to keep track of your injuries by keeping a daily pain journal. It may be difficult for a jury or insurance adjuster to realize the impact the accident had on your life by relying solely on medical records.
Your pain journal can discuss how severe the accident was, how the injuries have affected your daily life and how much pain you have experienced.
6. Obtain a Police Report
After the crash, contact the law enforcement agency that prepared the accident report and request a copy of it. The report may state that the truck driver was cited for a traffic violation; if so, this may be important evidence to use in your claim.
7. Talk to a Lawyer in Sacramento
After an accident, it is important that you have a legal advocate on your side who can protect your interests.
The insurance company for the truck driver may contact you and ask you to make a recorded statement, but do not discuss anything with them unless you have your lawyer’s approval to do so. The truck driver’s insurance company may gather information for use against you to deny your claim or to reduce it to levels that do not properly compensate you for the accident.
An experienced personal injury attorney at the Arnold Law Firm can walk you through the next steps of your claim during a free initial consultation. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
I really love that law firm. They were on their job. They took care of me very well, and I highly recommend that law firm for any of your doings. I just wanna thank Josh and his crew for helping me all that they have. Done for me and my family.
Thank you to the Staff at Arnold Law Firm! This was my 3rd time using their services for different needs. Each time has been a smooth, honest and professional experience. They have provided me with guidance & consulting services to reach a positive outcome. Each time I have been pleasantly surprised! Thank you Arnold Law Firm! 🤗
A very special Thank You to Sal, Dominic & Jeff! 🤗🤗🤗
They always keep me up to date on my case. I also felt it was done in a timely manner!
Arnold Law firm provided me with an amazing experience. They were super communicative and assisted me with any needs or questions that I had during my journey to recovery and through financial hardship due to my car accident. I was hit by an uninsured motorist and would have been completely overwhelmed by all of the bills, paperwork, insurance nuances, and legal action needed. Jesus Garcia was an absolute pleasure to work with and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Met with a lawyer who is taking care of my wife's potential lawsuit. He was nice and his assistant is really on top of things.I'd recommend them if you need representation. No upfront costs and reasonable expectations when suit is settled.